The Audi A1 e-tron

The electric motor, installed transversely at the front, supplies a continuous output of 45 kW (61 hp) and a peak output of 75 kW (102 hp), transmitted to the front wheels via a single-stage transmission. The peak torque of 240 Nm (177.01 lb-ft) is available right from the off. The A1 e-tron sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 10.2 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 130 km/h (80.78 mph).

It draws its energy from a package of lithium-ion batteries arranged in a T pattern beneath the center tunnel and rear bench seat. The liquid-cooled battery supplies 12 kWh of energy. A charging process takes barely three hours with a 230V supply, and less than one hour with high-voltage current. While on the move, the driver determines the level of recuperation using five-stage shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The Audi A1 e-tron covers over 50 km (31 miles) on one battery charge.

For longer distances of up to 250 km (155.34 miles), there is a range extender on board: a small rotary-piston engine with a displacement of 254 cm3 is mounted beneath the luggage compartment. Running at a constant 5,000 rpm, it recharges the battery via an alternator that generates up to 15 kW (20 hp) of electrical power.

The great strengths of the rotary-piston engine are its vibration-free, virtually noiseless operation, compact dimensions and extremely low weight. The entire assembly weighs just 65 kilograms (143 lb), including the alternator, the special power electronics, the intake, exhaust and cooling system, the acoustic encapsulation and the subframe. As per the draft standard for determining the consumption of range-extender vehicles, the Audi A1 e-tron consumes just 1.9 liters per 100 km (123.80 US mpg) – a CO2 equivalent of 45 g per km (72.42 g/mile). Its tank can hold 12 liters of fuel (3.17 US gallons).